Search published articles


Showing 2 results for Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Resistance investigation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections in the north of Iran
Zahra Askari, Zeynab Mirzapour, Tooba Shafighi, Reyhaneh Ghorbanpour,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) represent a significant global health concern. Virulence factors (VFs) expressed by UPEC strains play a crucial role in promoting bacterial pathogenicity within the urinary tract. Effective treatment of these infections is frequently complicated by the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to investigate the VFs and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of UPEC strains isolated in the northern region of Iran.
Methods: One hundred and five urine specimens were collected from female patients diagnosed with UTIs in Rasht, located in the north of Iran. These samples underwent culturing on both Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and MacConkey agar. Following a 24-hour incubation period at 37°C, pure bacterial isolates were identified through Gram staining and a battery of standard biochemical assays. The prevalence of six VF genes - papC, sfa/foc, fimH, afa, ibeA, and neuC - within UPEC strains was determined utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently confirmed via direct sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method, adhering to the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M02).
Results: The study identified 65.71% of the isolates as Escherichia coli. Among the virulence genes examined, fimH exhibited the highest prevalence (100%), while afa was the least frequent (1.44%). Antibiotic resistance analysis revealed the highest rate against Cefazolin (66.66%) and the lowest against Gentamicin (24.63%). Notably, the prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was determined to be 73.91%.
Conclusion: This study underscored the significance of localized surveillance of UPEC isolates. This emphasis stems from the pathogen's considerable capacity for genetic mutation, coupled with the influence of environmental variables and individual patient characteristics. Understanding these dynamic factors at a local level is crucial for formulating the most effective strategies to combat UTIs.

Outbreak of Burkholderia gladioli septicemia in a neonatal intensive care unit: Investigation and control measures
Karvi Agarwal , Amit Garg, Konpal Agarwal , Naila Begum ,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background: Burkholderia gladioli (B. gladioli) is a rare but emerging pathogen associated with neonatal sepsis. This case series describes the investigation and control of an outbreak in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in India.
Methods: In January 2024, seven neonates admitted to the NICU developed bloodstream infections. Clinical manifestations included respiratory distress, feeding refusal, metabolic acidosis, seizures, and shock. Predisposing factors included prematurity, congenital anomalies, and perinatal asphyxia. Blood cultures were processed using the automated BD BactecFX-40 system, and organism identification with antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the BD Phoenix M-50 system. Environmental sampling was conducted to identify the outbreak source.
Results: Of 72 blood culture bottles, 34 (47.2%) flagged positive. B. gladioli were isolated from seven patients, accounting for 20.6% of positive cultures. The overall mortality rate was 57.1% (4/7 Deaths). All clinical isolates showed identical susceptibility patterns, with susceptibility to levofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, minocycline, and meropenem, and intrinsic resistance to colistin. Environmental surveillance identified the same B. gladioli strain from suction apparatus and phototherapy units. Contributory factors included poor hand hygiene compliance (28-33%), limited glove availability, and overcrowding. Following cohorting, deep cleaning with 1% hypochlorite, staff retraining, and reinforcement of infection control protocols, no further isolates were recovered.
Conclusion: This outbreak highlights the high mortality associated with B. gladioli sepsis in neonates and underscores the critical need for stringent infection control practices and automated identification systems in NICUs. To our knowledge, this is the first such report from India.

Page 1 from 1